Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Wanna Try Something Different? Something New?

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It’s always fun to try a new crochet technique.  Maybe the technique isn’t new to the world of crochet – but new to you, the crocheter.

I’ve scoured the internet to find a few new tricks for you.  Check these out to see if any of them inspire you to pull out your hook and try something you’ve never done before.

Cro-tatting:  My friend Vicki is an expert at this technique.  She turns out some splendid projects.  She uses a very expensive set of hooks purchased from Japan.  But, for beginners, there are more modest hooks and starter books available at craft stores and online.  Check this out to see if you might want to try this new spin on tatting:

crotatting-edging-0309

http://crochet.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=crochet&cdn=hobbies&tm=9&f=22&su=p445.92.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.geocities.com/mountainhome1999/crotatbkmrk.htm

Here’s a twist on Tunisian crochet that turns out a really beautiful project that is much less complicated than it looks:

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

Another Tunisian technique is featured on this site:

http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/cinnaminn_s/moez1.html

http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/cinnaminn_s/moez1.html

Tunisian is a method of crocheting that is sometimes called Afghan Crochet, Shepherd Knit or Crochet, and other names.  It has the benefit of creating a fabric that drapes well and more closely resembles knitting than any other crochet technique with which I’m familiar.  Kim Guzman has a lot of information about Tunisian on her website:

http://kimguzman.wordpress.com/

Come back next time for more information on ‘new’ techniques you might want to try!

Comments

  1. I have two methods of crochet that I “invented.” I have had dishcloth pattern published using my techniques in Quick and Easy crochet. The patterns are copyrighted but not the stitches. I would like to share my techniques but do not have a website. Are you interested in learnng them? One is the decco or dcco stitch. The other is the twisted dc stitch. Both stitches give the crochet fabric the feel and drape of knitting.
    Linda D.

  2. hi linda,
    i’d love to see your stitches. i’m sure many would love to see them. how would you present them on the blog? if they’re very
    intricate, they’d need to be on something like youtube. however, good illustrations – pictures or drawings – can be very instructional.
    please email me at:
    [email protected]

    jd

Have you read?

Christmas Tree Pot Holder Free Crochet Pattern

This free Christmas Tree Pot Holder is one of those classic holiday crochet projects that feels both decorative and useful at the same time. It has a lovely vintage handmade feel, with a tree shape worked in green crochet cotton and red detailing that gives it a festive finish. The pattern is presented as a practical kitchen project, but it also doubles as a cute seasonal decoration for anyone who likes to hang handmade pieces in the kitchen during Christmas.

What I like about this pattern is that it is not just a flat novelty shape. The design uses rows of double crochet with decreases to build the tree silhouette, and then red crochet is added to join the sections and create picot details, which helps give the finished piece a more decorative look. It also includes a covered ring at the top so it can be hung when not in use.

The materials list is refreshingly simple too. The project calls for green and red crochet cotton and a size 7 crochet hook, so it is a good stash-friendly make if you already keep cotton yarn on hand for kitchen crochet. Because it is made with cotton rather than soft acrylic, it has that more traditional pot-holder feel that suits the project well.

This would be a sweet little project to make for holiday gifting as well. I can easily see these being worked up as stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or part of a handmade Christmas kitchen set. One of the comments on the post even mentions making them for stocking stuffers, which feels like exactly the right fit for a pattern like this.

Overall, this is a charming old-school Christmas crochet pattern with plenty of handmade appeal. If you love festive kitchen décor, practical holiday crochet, or just enjoy making seasonal projects that can be used year after year, this Christmas Tree Pot Holder is a fun one to bookmark.